AstraZeneca has signed an option-based deal with start-up Moderna Therapeutics to discover, develop and commercialise up to 40 messenger RNA therapeutics™ for the treatment of serious cardiovascular, metabolic and renal diseases as well as cancer. Moderna will receive US$240 M upfront, which ranks as one of the largest initial payments ever disclosed for a discovery or preclinical-stage partnering deal. News of the collaboration came on the same day that AstraZeneca outlined a new strategy to revive growth that involves a significant overhaul of its R&D operations.